'Communion in the Redwoods' draws indie, folk and Americana musicians to Big Sur

By MARC CABRERA Herald Staff Writer

Posted:
10/24/2012 04:55:03 PM PDT

Folk Yeah Productions is gathering up its musical friends, including the folks at Mumford & Sons affiliate Communion, and loyal followers for one last romp in the Big Sur woods.

"Communion in the Redwoods" is the three-day concert beneath the trees at Fernwood resort, featuring an all-star lineup of mostly indie, folk and Americana music. It begins Friday afternoon and runs through Sunday. Tickets are available at FolkYeah.com.

Britt Govea, founder of Folk Yeah, said the festival is meant to bring together a diverse group of artists from multiple genres and house them in a unique setting, the redwoods of Big Sur.

He said the natural surroundings help create a communal vibe that is rare for other contemporary music festivals.

"Lots of times I think (the redwood forest) makes bands play unique and interesting sets they normally don't play simply because they can't help but to be inspired by the surroundings," Govea said. "I think the trees humble us all."

The Friday lineup kicks off at 5p.m. with Charlie Peacock, Waters, Tamaryn, Here We Go Magic and Blind Pilot on the main stage. The Brothers Comatose will perform at 11:30 inside the Fernwood Tavern.

Sunday features Aaron Embry, The Dunwells, Robert Ellis and an acoustic set from Pete Bernhard of The Devil Makes Three.

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Folk Yeah put together the lineup with the London-based indie promoter Communion, which was founded by Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons and a few other musicians in 2007. It has grown into a community of musicians and fans networked from London to San Francisco, New York and Nashville.

This is the event's second year, and marks a victory lap for Govea and his Folk Yeah outfit.

"I'm really proud of the lineup. I think it's diverse," said Govea. "The weather looks to be amazing. People will have a good time coming out for one last summer-esque weekend in Big Sur."

Among the acts Govea was particularly excited to see were:

Tamaryn: The female vocalist was born in New Zealand and now based in San Francisco. With her collaborator Rex John Shelverton, Tamaryn dabbles in psychedelia and indie pop with a trippy effect.

Jonny Corndawg Fritz: "The new face of outlaw country," Jonny Corndawg Fritz will tour with The Devil Makes Three in November.

Here We Go Magic: After performing at the Glastonbury festival, Brooklyn indie-rock band Here We Go Magic was approached by Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich to work on a new project. The critically acclaimed album "A Different Ship" was the result.

Waters: Former Port O'Brien front man Van Pierszalowski re-invented himself with Waters, a San Francisco rock band that draws from Nirvana, Yo La Tengo, and R. Kelly for inspiration.

Single-day passes are available, as well as camping passes. For information, visit FernwoodBigSur.com.